Annual Report to the Board 2023
Broadalbin Library
The year 2023 began a time of transition at Broadalbin Library. A new board president, vice
president and secretary had definite ideas about moving forward. It was a year to try a few new
things. And while not every new idea was perfectly executed, more than a few things were
accomplished. And the common themes that began to repeat throughout the year were
community partnerships and the generosity of friends. Keep reading for more details regarding
2023 accomplishments as well as areas of continued effort.
10 YEARS OF SERVICE – In March the board and friends of the library honored Marianne
Milton for her 10 years of dedicated service at a luncheon for 13 at the Broadalbin Diner. She
was presented with a certificate of appreciation, a gift basket and a plant. Marianne was
steadfast in her support of the library and instrumental in finding us a new “home” when, after 40
years at 25 North Main Street, we found ourselves in search of a new location. By November of
2021 we began our move to 10A North Main St. Marianne continues to support the library as a
volunteer and an occasional workshop participant.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS – In May we installed Jeff Foley as our new Treasurer and board
member. Special, heartfelt thanks to Judy Frederick, long time board member and resident arts
& crafts instructor who had tendered her resignation as Treasurer as of December 2023 but was
happy to hand over the reins to Jeff who willingly accepted his new role. In September we
nominated and elected Suzan Sussmann, a great friend and supporter, to the board of directors.
FUNDRAISING – Efforts to raise dollars necessary to operate are a top priority as we remain a
private entity in rental quarters and are running a deficit.
A major fundraiser included the inaugural Broadalbin Garden Tour. We owe many thanks to
Board Secretary, Linda LaCasse and her husband Michael for their tireless work on this project.
Linda was the primary organizer, reaching out to other volunteers as needed. Michael created
and constructed 6 easels that were used at the Italian Gardens. Both Linda and Michael worked
closely with Bill Clizbe,Town Historian who provided access to town archives and photos along
with many others. Business and community partnerships were essential in executing this event
and along with a picture perfect day, contributed to its success. A detailed summary of this
event is available upon request. $1,977.75 was raised
Election Day Bake Sale: Jennifer Gilston, Board Vice President once again reached out
successfully to the Town Clerk for permission to conduct a bake sale at Town Hall on Election
Day. For the 2nd year in a row, this sale proved worth the time and calories. We raised $544 in
sales and 2 additional donations of $100 each were received as a result of this fund raising
event.
Paint & Slurp – Another successful event organized by Linda LaCasse with the cooperation and
collaboration of Judy Frederick. The eight attendees of this event received personalized
instruction from board member – volunteer and retired art teacher, Judy Frederick, to create
individual works of art. They enjoyed soups donated by Back on Track, Broadalbin Diner
and Historic Broadalbin Hotel along with homemade bread and soup from Bob & Joyce
Uebrick. Eight attendees. $320 was raised from this special event.
Other Income and Significant Donations – The Town and Village continue to support the
library with annual donations of $2,000.00 and $1,000.00 respectively for which the board is
grateful. In September Jeff and Roseann attended a Town Board Meeting requesting an
additional $500 to support the increase in costs associated with the Library’s current location.
The Town Board approved the request; this will bring the Town donation to $2500.00 annually.
Ongoing book sale – we maintain an area for the sale of used books all year long and use the
rolling cart on the sidewalk outside in warmer months to promote sales
Donations are continuously received through various sources including workshops, product and
book sales, memorial donations and raffles (Deborah Halgas Walendziak, knitted and donated a
beautiful afghan that was raffled as part of the Fall Festival event).
A new patron to the Library purchased several Robert Chambers books, totaling $125.
At least a dozen jigsaw puzzles were donated by library knitter and friend, Deborah
Walendziak; puzzles are now available for loan.
PROGRAMS
Ongoing craft classes continue to be a popular activity at Broadalbin Library. With many thanks
to Judy Frederick, veteran board member, former art teacher who conducted most, Taylor
LaCasse, Suzan Sussmann and Linda LaCasse who worked hard dreaming up great ideas and
doing much of the legwork in obtaining business sponsors, supplies and promotion. Along with
story hours and book discussion groups we sponsored the following:
2/11 Scherenscnitte
3/4 Quilling
5/8 & 5/22 Learn to Crochet
5/25 Robert Chambers Discussion Group
6/22 Robert Chambers Discussion Group
6/24 Pressed Flowers
7/14 Preschool Story Hour
7/28 PreSchool Story Hour
7/29 Stenciling class
8/11 Preschool Story Hour
8/25 Preschool Story Hour
9/7 Robert Chambers Discussion Group
9/23 Bookmark Making Workshop for Children
10/13 Paint & Slurp
11/18 Holiday Quilling
12/2 Cookies, Cocoa & Crafts
Robert Chambers Book Collection and Reading Group – The library sponsored four book
discussions centered on the writings of Robert W. Chambers. The program was led by Marianne
Milton, former English teacher and Library Volunteer. George Pifko, local history buff and
longtime collector of Robert Chambers’ books, helped facilitate the discussions.
Jennifer Gilston arranged for an overflow of books to be held at Town Hall. The Library will
maintain First Editions and those that were made into movies.
Weekly Knitting Group – Since 2016 the library has been hosting a knitting group on Wednesday
evenings. The group welcomes beginners and experienced knitters (& crocheters) alike. One
participant who has a near 100% attendance rate calls it her “mental health” outlet!
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY EVENTS/ COLLABORATIONS – The library is proud to be a
part of various community events in which our presence helps to promote the overall mission of
the library. In 2023 we participate in several:
4/22 BPPTO sponsored Eggstravaganza
5/29 Memorial Day Parade – sale books, distributed bookmarks in front of the library
6/3 Village wide garage sale
9/23 Fall Festival at the Historic Broadalbin Hotel. Suzan provided materials and led a very
popular bookmark activity.
10/31 Village Trick or Treat* – a successful evening promoting the library; 3 volunteers dressed
as storybook characters and doled out hundreds of pieces of candy and bookmarks.
11/27 Christmas Parade – distributed bookmarks in front of the library.
*Thanks to Michael LaCasse for constructing the “Story Book Characters Come Alive” giant
story book that remains in our window and serves as a visible sign for The Broadalbin Library.
The library donated the following items for the Village time capsule: a novel by Robertl
Chambers, a book of short stories by John Gray, a local writer and a bookmark with the library’s
information on it.
BPCSD – several connections were made with BPCSD. We participated in the 2nd annual
Eggstravaganza where we had a display table with bookmarks, sale books and a raffle basket.
Linda and Michael LaCasse worked with then owner/operator, Brent Yager, of “What-A-Bargain”
to obtain 2 bicycles that were donated and awarded to winners of an Egg Roll activity. We raised
$40 earmarked for the purchase of children’s books..
In June, the Library was the site for Student Service Day. Sarah Cordts, BP District Librarian ,
was accompanied by 4 BPHS students who counted books (3600+) and began the process of
re-shelving books. A similar activity was planned for November that didn’t materialize when
students were absent from school. Other communications have been made with hope for more
future collaborations.
Broadalbin Kenyetto Fire Company Robert and Susan Zurlo attended our September board
meeting. Their presentation provided an invaluable lesson on the proper use and
maintenance of a fire extinguisher.
Mike and Linda Palmieri featured the Library in their “We Call This Home” and “Get Off Your
App & Go” magazines last year highlighting local libraries and gave us special coverage for
the Garden Tour.
Lee Miller of Broadalbin provides assistance to the library in his capacity as administrator of our
website.
Desk Coverage Volunteers – We thank all our volunteers: Board Members: Jennifer Gilston,
Linda LaCasse, Jeff Foley, Ruth Caster, Judy Frederick, Suzan Sussmann & Roseann Doran
along with regulars, Nancy Weiss, Ann Sargalis, Lisa Foley, Marianne Milton and Debbie Miller.
STEWART’ GRANT Ruth Castler, board member initiated the Holiday Match Application in
January 2023. The Library was awarded $500 from them. We purchased children’s stackable
chairs, books and other supplies for use in youth focused programs/events.
NEW POLICIES ADOPTED On March 30, 2023 the board met in a special session to adopt
“The Patron Code of Conduct” and “The Safe Child” policies.
NEW COMPUTER – a new laptop computer was purchased late last year with plans for
installation later this month or next. A faster, more efficient computer system will go a long way
in streamlining the creation of documents and notices, cataloging books and more.
CONTINUED EFFORTS
Ongoing support and efforts are needed to set goals and raise funds if we are to grow into a
facility with space to increase our book collections, have a meeting room, craft area, enlarged
children’s section, adequate storage space and more computer stations. Clearly our ability to do
so in the space we currently occupy is limited. At the same time we need to develop a strong
children’s program, a book discussion group and increase our volunteer base, foot traffic and
circulation. This will only happen with ongoing support and participation in the programs
currently offered.
Visit Broadalbin Library on Facebook for up to the minute happenings. Scroll through past posts
and or photos to see images of many of the events mentioned in this report. Click here:
Respectfully submitted,
Roseann Doran
January 22,2024